Oxygen System Support

BRING O2 Truck

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Lesotho was importing oxygen from South Africa.​ As a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, PIH Lesotho constructed an oxygen plant to increase accessibility of medical oxygen.​

Our Impact

Under the Unitaid-funded BRING O2 project, Partners In Health (PIH) Lesotho has significantly enhanced access to medical oxygen across the country. By installing and providing technical support for three Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants at Botšabelo, Maluti, and Paray Hospitals, PIH Lesotho has bolstered the nation’s capacity to produce medical oxygen locally.

  • oxygen cylinders
    5894
    Oxygen Filled Cylinders

    Distributed since 2020

  • 24
    Government Hospitals and Health Facilities

    Oxygen cylinders were distributed to.

  • oxygen production
    5
    Patients

    Receiving medical oxygen at their homes since 2023.

To meet the rising demand for medical oxygen, PIH Lesotho significantly expanded its production capacity at Botšabelo Hospital in FY25. The original oxygen plant produced only 10 cylinders per day; insufficient to meet the needs of the high-volume MDR-TB hospital and partner facilities. The installation of a second oxygen plant increased daily production to 50 cylinders of 50 liters each, enabling PIH to supply all its supported sites and extend free oxygen support to 24 additional government and Christian health Association of Lesotho (CHAL) health facilities across the country.

PIH is now the only organization in Lesotho offering free home-based oxygen therapy. As of Fiscal Year 25, five (5) patients with chronic lung conditions were receiving long-term oxygen support at home, including the delivery of both oxygen and related equipment.

Oxygen Cylinders transportation

Oxygen cylinders are transferred off an oxygen truck and into boats to be delivered to Tebellong Hospital in Qacha’s Nek, Lesotho.

Home based oxygen supply to patients with respiratory problems

In addition to supplying medical oxygen to over 20 hospitals and clinics across Lesotho, PIH has been supplying medical oxygen to patients who are oxygen dependent. PIH Lesotho provides assistance to patients with respiratory problems who require oxygen, in addition to the patients in the PIH-supported facilities. This is achieved through home assessments and training for patients and their family members on the correct use of medical oxygen and the handling of oxygen cylinders. A minimum of 5 cylinders are provided to all patients, and they are refilled whenever the minimal stock reaches 2 cylinders.

home-based oxygen supply

Kaizer Mahapa at home and feeding his chicken. He requires supplemental oxygen after suffering permanent lung damage from MDR-TB.

PIH Lesotho provides oxygen concentrators to all patients who  are dependent to oxygen and have access to electricity at home, and ensure that the concentrators are maintained on a regular basis

Partners In Health (PIH) Lesotho remains committed to strengthening critical care services across Lesotho by ensuring that health facilities have reliable access to oxygen. Oxygen is a life-saving resource for patients with respiratory conditions, including those battling tuberculosis and other severe illnesses. By equipping these facilities with oxygen, PIH is not only improving the quality of care but also reinforcing the capacity of healthcare providers to respond effectively to emergencies.